gets to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express the idea that someone is able to have or experience something. For example, "Mary gets to be the star of the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It gets to be easier and easier.

The New Yorker

Cata gets to be fun fast.

The New York Times

Who gets to be the Boy King?

The New Yorker

Who gets to be one?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She gets to be both.

The New Yorker

Who gets to be a journalist?

The Guardian - Opinion

It gets to be quite a sum.

The New York Times - Magazine

A stranger gets to be somebody.

The Guardian - Tech

Who gets to be an American?

The New Yorker

Who then gets to be prime minister?

The Guardian - Opinion

After that it gets to be hell".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or change, consider "gets to be" to indicate a gradual transformation. For instance, "The initial frustration slowly gets to be excitement" highlights the shift in feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "gets to be" in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated alternative might be appropriate. In academic or professional contexts, consider alternatives like "is permitted to be" or "has the opportunity to be" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets to be" functions as a modal verb construction, indicating permission, opportunity, or a transition to a state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone is able to have or experience something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gets to be" is a versatile phrase used to indicate permission, opportunity, or a transition to a specific state. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, highlighting its frequent use across varied sources. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it conveys that someone can experience something advantageous or privileged. While generally acceptable, remember that in very formal or scientific writing, more sophisticated alternatives might be more suitable. Using related phrases such as "has the opportunity to be" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Therefore, writers can leverage "gets to be" effectively by choosing the most appropriate phrase for the tone and intention of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the opportunity to be

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or possibility.

is allowed to be

Focuses on the granting of permission for a specific state or action.

is permitted to be

Similar to "is allowed to be", but often implies a more formal authorization.

is fortunate enough to be

Highlights the luck or good fortune associated with the experience.

is in a position to be

Indicates that circumstances enable a particular state or action.

can now be

Highlights that something is now possible.

is able to transition into

Focuses on a shift or change into a new state or role.

has the privilege of being

Emphasizes the honor or special advantage associated with the experience.

is coming to be

Suggests a gradual development or evolution into a particular state.

finds oneself able to be

Implies a realization or discovery of one's capability to experience something.

FAQs

How can I use "gets to be" in a sentence?

You can use "gets to be" to indicate an opportunity or privilege, such as "She "gets to be" the team captain this year". It can also describe a transition or development, like "The problem "gets to be" more complex over time".

What's a more formal alternative to "gets to be"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is allowed to be", "is permitted to be", or "has the opportunity to be" instead of "gets to be".

Is "gets to be" appropriate for all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "gets to be" may sound too informal for academic papers or official reports. Assess your audience and purpose to determine if a more formal alternative is better.

What's the difference between "gets to be" and "has to be"?

"Gets to be" implies an opportunity or privilege, whereas "has to be" indicates an obligation or necessity. For example, "She "gets to be" the speaker" suggests a desirable role, while "She has to be the speaker" implies a requirement.